Dracaena angolensis
Dracaena angolensisUSDA | Grow Zone
10-12Outdoors all year in zones 10 to 12. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 50°F.
- Light
- Bright, indirect
- Water
- When the top 1-2 in is dry
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 4-6 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Pets
- Mildly toxic to pets
Dracaena angolensis is a striking indoor plant known for its elegant foliage and air-purifying qualities. Native to Africa, it thrives in moderate light and humidity, making it a popular choice for home and office environments.
Ask Vesper about Dracaena angolensis
Ideal temperature
65-80°F is where it grows fastest. Below 50°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 4-6 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Tender: no frost
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Dracaena angolensis prefers to be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the pot has good drainage. In fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every 2-3 weeks. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause leaf tips to brown and curl.
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
Ideally, it should receive around 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If placed in low light, growth may slow down, and the plant may become leggy.
Soil
Dracaena angolensis prefers a well-draining potting mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
A mix of peat, perlite, and pine bark is ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
This plant enjoys moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%.
To increase humidity, consider misting the leaves, using a pebble tray with water, or placing a humidifier nearby. Signs of low humidity stress include leaf tip browning and curling.
Temperature
Dracaena angolensis thrives in temperatures ranging from 65-80°F (18-27°C).
It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-12. Protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and avoid placing it near drafts or heating vents.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 during the growing season, applying every 4-6 weeks.
In fall and winter, reduce fertilization to once every 8-10 weeks. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Prune Dracaena angolensis in spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back any unwanted growth. Deadheading is not necessary, but removing spent leaves can improve appearance.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot, indicated by roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix, watering thoroughly afterward.
Propagation
Propagation can be achieved through stem cuttings or division.
For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, allow it to callous for a few hours, then place it in moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Division can be done during repotting by separating the root ball into smaller sections.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Over-watering or insufficient light.
How to fix it
Adjust watering schedule and ensure the plant receives adequate light.
Brown leaf tips
Why it happens
Low humidity or under-watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and ensure consistent watering.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Insufficient light.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light.
Root rot
Why it happens
Over-watering or poor drainage.
How to fix it
Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency.
Pests (e.g., spider mites, mealybugs)
Why it happens
Dry air or stress from environmental changes.
How to fix it
Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and increase humidity.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, increase watering frequency as the plant resumes growth. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
Summer
During summer, ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and maintain humidity levels. Water regularly, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
Fall
In fall, gradually reduce watering as growth slows down. Continue fertilizing every 6-8 weeks until late fall, then stop for winter.
Winter
In winter, keep the plant in a warm location away from drafts. Water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Toxicity & Safety
Dracaena angolensis is mildly toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingestion may cause vomiting, lack of appetite, and excessive salivation. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Good to know
Why are my Dracaena angolensis leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate over-watering or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture and consider moving the plant to a brighter location.
How often should I water my Dracaena angolensis?
Water your Dracaena angolensis when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1-2 weeks in the growing season and every 2-3 weeks in winter.
What type of soil is best for Dracaena angolensis?
A well-draining potting mix with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal. A blend of peat, perlite, and pine bark works well to ensure proper drainage.
How can I increase humidity for my Dracaena angolensis?
To increase humidity, mist the leaves, use a pebble tray with water, or place a humidifier nearby. Aim for humidity levels of 40-60%.
When should I repot my Dracaena angolensis?
Repot every 2-3 years or when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
Is Dracaena angolensis toxic to pets?
Yes, Dracaena angolensis is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting and excessive salivation, so keep it out of reach.
How do I propagate Dracaena angolensis?
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or division. For cuttings, take a healthy stem section, allow it to callous, and plant it in moist soil.
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